Examples:

• The team had worked hard all season but fell at the final hurdle, losing in the championship game.
• After months of training, she fell at the final hurdle and missed qualifying for the Olympics by a fraction of a second.
• The company was close to securing a major contract, but they fell at the final hurdle when the client chose a competitor.
• He had studied diligently for the exam but fell at the final hurdle, failing to answer the critical question.
• The political candidate had widespread support but fell at the final hurdle, losing in the final round of voting.
• The author's manuscript was well-received by publishers, but it fell at the final hurdle when they decided not to offer a book deal.
• The marathon runner had a strong lead but fell at the final hurdle, twisting their ankle just before the finish line.
• The team had a chance to win the game, but they fell at the final hurdle when they missed a crucial penalty shot.
• The project was on track for success, but it fell at the final hurdle when the funding fell through.
• The actor was a strong contender for the award, but he fell at the final hurdle, losing to a more experienced performer.
• The entrepreneur's startup showed great promise, but it fell at the final hurdle when they couldn't secure enough investment.
• The student was a top performer throughout the semester, but they fell at the final hurdle, struggling with the final exam.
• The negotiation process seemed promising, but it fell at the final hurdle when the two parties couldn't agree on the terms.
• The team had a chance to secure a playoff spot, but they fell at the final hurdle, losing their last game of the season.
• The company's marketing campaign was well-received, but it fell at the final hurdle when sales didn't meet expectations.
• The artist's exhibition received positive reviews, but it fell at the final hurdle when they couldn't find a buyer for their featured piece.
• The student's college application was strong, but it fell at the final hurdle when their essay didn't resonate with the admissions committee.
• The negotiations for the merger were progressing well, but they fell at the final hurdle when a disagreement over valuation arose.
• The performer had impressed the judges throughout the competition, but she fell at the final hurdle, finishing as the runner-up.
• The construction project was near completion, but it fell at the final hurdle when a major design flaw was discovered.
• Congratulations John! You are doing a good job! Just make sure you don't fall at the final hurdle!